Teammate wins stage as Armstrong's lead grows

[gldstwmn]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/more/specials/tour_de_france/2005/07/17/bc.eu.spt.cyc.tourdefra.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

SAINT-LARY-SOULAN, France (AP) -- As Lance Armstrong prepared for what may be hardest stage of the Tour de France, the widow of a friend and teammate killed in a crash a decade ago told him to go for the win.

That was the only thing that didn't work out for Armstrong Sunday, which he called "a perfect day."

Armstrong settled for watching his most loyal teammate, genial New Yorker George Hincapie, pedal to victory high in the Pyrenees -- his first-ever individual stage victory in the Tour and the first by one of Armstrong's support riders.

And, taking care of business, Armstrong solidified his overall race lead in the brutal 15th stage -- staying on track to retire with a seventh consecutive Tour victory next Sunday.

At the finish, the two riders -- friends since they were teenagers -- hugged and Armstrong gave a thumbs-up.


Full article available at the link.

[irishgrl]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/more/specials/tour_de_france/2005/07/17/bc.eu.spt.cyc.tourdefra.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

SAINT-LARY-SOULAN, France (AP) -- As Lance Armstrong prepared for what may be hardest stage of the Tour de France, the widow of a friend and teammate killed in a crash a decade ago told him to go for the win.

That was the only thing that didn't work out for Armstrong Sunday, which he called "a perfect day."

Armstrong settled for watching his most loyal teammate, genial New Yorker George Hincapie, pedal to victory high in the Pyrenees -- his first-ever individual stage victory in the Tour and the first by one of Armstrong's support riders.

And, taking care of business, Armstrong solidified his overall race lead in the brutal 15th stage -- staying on track to retire with a seventh consecutive Tour victory next Sunday.

At the finish, the two riders -- friends since they were teenagers -- hugged and Armstrong gave a thumbs-up.


Full article available at the link.

Ive been monitoring this, and I find it amazing he hasnt won a stage yet, but at least he's hung onto his overall lead. All I can figure is, he may make his move toward the end of the race...GAWD, I hope he makes it 7 GO LANCE GO! :blob2:

[Kelly]

What do you mean by make his move? He is racing smartly. He doesn't need to win ANY stages and his team did win the team time trial. Lance is in a fine position and he does not need to take any risks by sprinting for a stage win. He wants the yellow jersey in Paris and he is pacing himsfle right on schedule to do that. Barring any crashes, he has this thing pretty much wrapped up. Only one more mountain stage to go.
I am thrilled for Hincapie! That guy has been so loyal and a dedicated team player and you could see how thrilled Lance was for his friend. I enjoy the race and watch it every single day. I hate the rest days! Lance doesnt seem to like them either...

BTW...I thought his recent quote was adorable. "there isn't much sex going on during the tour de France"....when asked about his relationship with Sheryl. So cute!

[GardenStateGirlie]

What do you mean by make his move? He is racing smartly. He doesn't need to win ANY stages and his team did win the team time trial. Lance is in a fine position and he does not need to take any risks by sprinting for a stage win. He wants the yellow jersey in Paris and he is pacing himsfle right on schedule to do that. Barring any crashes, he has this thing pretty much wrapped up. Only one more mountain stage to go.
I am thrilled for Hincapie! That guy has been so loyal and a dedicated team player and you could see how thrilled Lance was for his friend. I enjoy the race and watch it every single day. I hate the rest days! Lance doesnt seem to like them either...

BTW...I thought his recent quote was adorable. "there isn't much sex going on during the tour de France"....when asked about his relationship with Sheryl. So cute!

I'm sure they'll be plenty after he wins again :cool: